Vitality Blast 2025: What Went Wrong? 3 Reasons Lancashire Fell Short Against Leicestershire

Well, under the Manchester lights, Lancashire flew out of the traps like a runaway train. Jennings wasted no time at the crease, hammering 39 from just 19 deliveries in a whirlwind cameo. The atmosphere was electric, the scoreboard was racing, and for a moment, it felt like Leicestershire were being flattened. But T20s aren’t won in moments—they’re won in momentum. And Lancashire, sadly, hit the brakes far too early. From what looked like a platform for 180, they collapsed to a below-par 145/7. Leicestershire sniffed blood, and with 9 balls to go before the final over, they made it five wickets to one in a fashion that felt altogether mechanical and ruthless.

Middle-Order Meltdown Killed the Momentum

The first chink in Lancashire’s armor? A classic middle-order meltdown. Following Jennings’ dismissal with the score at 45 in the 5th over, the innings never really recovered. Michael Jones and Ashton Turner fell for a combined 4 runs, and Matty Hurst, who was anchoring reasonably well, stepped back in just as he was set. From 45/1 to 70/4 in less than four overs—that’s not a dip, that’s a nosedive. 

No anchor, no finisher, no late flourish. Chris Green did what he could with an unbeaten 36 from 29, but nothing could plug the holes in a ship that had lost momentum halfway through its journey. In short, Lancashire’s innings went from red hot to lukewarm in the space of one over.

Rehan Ahmed—The Foxes’ Secret Weapon

But we must acknowledge that this could not be achieved without crediting Rehan Ahmed, the 20-year-old leg spinner who turned the match on its head: 4-0-16-3. He didn’t just restrict Lancashire’s middle order, he destroyed it. I don’t want to give too much credit, however, because the way Ahmed disarmed Lancashire’s middle order was with control and subterfuge that made him look 25 years old and not 20 years old. 

He dismissed Turner and Hartley, which meant Lancashire could not flirt with a resurgence. Then, to add to his already brilliant match, Rehan came out with the bat and chipped in a quick 27 off 23 to make sure that nothing untoward happened to the chase. Rehan is the metronome in the game, on beat, on point, and unplayable.

Lack of Energy in the Field Sealed the Deal

And maybe the sorest spot for Lancashire fans will always be witnessing the ease with which the fielders let it all slide—literally. The dropped shoulders, the lack of any real reaction, and the fielding lacked intent. Not a flicker of life in the outfield; it was all dull eyes and heavy feet. This is juxtaposed with Liam Trevaskis’s four tidy overs and his 22* off 11 at the end—he did what Lancashire couldn’t do in the last five balls of their innings, in ten balls. 

The Foxes looked hungrier. Meanwhile, Lancashire appeared to be reliant on their big names, forgetting that T20 results are often decided by the narrowest of margins—tight singles, acrobatic stops, and pressure-fielding.

So, how the hell did Lancashire manage to blow this one? They started like a house on fire, but forgot to take the fireworks with them. They set out with a decent power play, went through a period of lethargy in the middle, although Rehan noted his masterpiece, and then ended with some reluctance in the field. Leicestershire didn’t just chase down 145, they hunted it down with precision, aplomb, and style. For Lancashire, it’s a harsh lesson; flash will only get you so far in the Blast; fire gets it done.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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